Early in the year 1872, Miss Mina Scarletti, accompanied by a former-stage-artist-now-respectably-married-woman friend and by her faithful doctor, travels to rural Sussex to investigate ghost sightings at the home of an acquaintance. Appalling weather renders them virtual prisoners of Hollow House, along with several uninvited guests — including Miss Scarletti's nemesis, whose presence only exacerbates the already tense atmosphere. Despite the mistress of the house's delicate situation, a séance is organised in an attempt to communicate with any spirits that may be about, with shocking results. Mina must untangle truth from trickery before full-blown panic sets in... or tragedy strikes.
This novel possesses all the beloved elements of a classic haunting tale: an ancient house, tragic past events, an isolated group of people, enigmatic servants, a locked room, unexplained sounds, and even a hidden skeleton! Its great originality rests in its central character, a young woman with scoliosis who secretly writes horror and ghost stories under a male pseudonym. As someone with a physical disability, I highly appreciated that Mina is portrayed as very able and independent, without downplaying her limitations, the opportunities denied to her, or the impact her diminishing physical health may have on her future quality of life (a concern with which I'm all too familiar).
Despite its slightly rushed conclusion, I found this novel smart, entertaining, well written and absolutely delightful — and the bonus ultra-Gothicized version of this experience that Mina writes as "Robert Neil" had me in stitches! I'll definitely have to get my hands on Miss Scarletti's other adventures.
I was provided with a free electronic copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher, Sapere Books, in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: *****
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